A new WSL is live friends! I’m sure you knew my boo, Chandler from @candidlychan, was going to make an appearance at some point. Her personal style is on point and so is her home style, so it was an easy decision to share it with you all. Also, she decorated this place in like 3 months and I’m shook, because I’ve been in my house for over a year and half and still don’t have my sh*t together.
Chandler is a fashion and lifestyle blogger here in Atlanta. Her and her husband, Trey, make the cutest couple and they have the most adorable dog, Jackson – who, might I add, is way bigger than Chandler. I always ask how she can carry him and in two seconds she’ll pick him up like a little baby. I can barely pick up my french bulldog, so wow Chan, I need arm workout tips… or maybe I just need to weight lift your dog?
Anyway, their cutie little family just moved in a house outside the city and it’s a quaint little hideaway that I was dying to get into to see. Chandler has a similar style to mine, in that she’s into neutrals and natural textures. She’s also an antiquing queen and even found some amazing vintage artwork that I might steal.
>> Keep reading for my interview with Chandler
Tell us a little about who you are and what you do.
Hi friends! My name is Chandler DeHart, style blogger and life enthusiast (lol- I took that from my Instagram bio), the face and words behind Candidly Chan. I am a fulltime influencer
Thanks for inviting us into your home! How would you describe your décor style and what inspired you to decorate this way?
Of course! I don’t know if there’s any singular word or phrase for my décor style because I tend to like a lot of different things. In a nutshell, I’m most inspired by clean lines and neutrals and I believe less is more when it comes to decorating a room. Above all I always want my house to be a combination of well-styled and functional. For example, I would never buy a pretty couch if it wasn’t comfortable.
Do you have any specifics around how to decorate shelves and/or a coffee table?
I’m honestly embarrassed to say how long it took me to get the shelves and tables in my house just right. It’s a lot of trial an error and rearranging. My go to items to fill the space are books, greenery/plants, frames, candles, and then any other knick-knacks you like. Stick to a consistent palette of 2-3 colors so that everything ties together nicely. Oh, and one more pro tip if you have multi-level shelves like mine: place like items diagonal from each other. For example, if you want to use books on two different shelves, put one stack on the left of one shelf and the right on the one below, if that makes sense!
What advice would you give someone trying to decorate their home from scratch?
Collect inspiration first! Pinterest is your best friend and it’s much easier to search for specific pieces that will work nicely together than to go at it blind.
And with that being said, budget, budget, budget! We just recently did this and if you do the entire house at once (my natural inclination), the bills pile up quick! I mean, hello, throw pillows are like $40 each nowadays. If you’re in a place that you will be in for awhile, enjoy the process of decorating and rearranging over time. Also, do your research. Did you see your dream couch online and physically cringe at the price? Get on Wayfair or a similar site! You’ll almost always find a good dupe.
In your opinion, what makes a house a home?
As far as the décor goes, make sure that you include items that you really love. I always try and collect pieces that mean something to me, whether they were found on a trip or were a bargain at an antique market. If you notice in the photos, I have a ton of antique crystal pieces in my house and that’s something my grandmother has always collected. It’s so special to me.
Outside of that, comfort and livability is such a priority of mine. I never want my friends and family to feel like they can’t just walk in and kick their feet up because that’s greatly encouraged around here.
Okay, let’s talk about your personal style – it’s so cute! How would you describe your style?
Well thanks! I would say my personal style is casual and usually on the edgy side. I always go for neutrals and like to collect staple pieces that can be styled a million different ways.
What are you most comfortable in, during the week and also on the weekends?
During the week it’s DEFINITELY a blazer. I’m quite proud of my collection and I think they are so easy to style. On the weekends, I’m most always in ripped, oversized jeans and an easy top.
What are your three favorite pieces in your closet right now?
My current favorites are my Topshop mom jeans, a floral dress I bought from Sabo Skirt, and a pair of strappy heels that I got at Zara that I’m planning to wear until they literally fall apart.
For clothing/accessories, where do you think it makes sense to invest? Where should you save?
I personally tend to invest more on accessories than actual clothing items. Things like a classic bag or a good hat that you know you will wear a ton. Nowadays, I feel like clothing trends are changing so quickly that I’m spending less on items I know that I won’t wear as much. S/O to everyone who bought fishnet tights to wear under their jeans two years ago. You are seen and understood.
What tips would you have for someone trying to develop their own personal style?
Try all kinds of different things! Believe it or not, when I started blogging, my style was SO different. If you have 2 hours to spare, you can scroll far enough down on my Instagram to find an explosion of color and a lot of other things I wouldn’t touch with a ten foot pole now. Your style will change and evolve over time and you’ll constantly look back and gag at certain outfits and that’s totally okay. Wear whatever you want at the moment and eventually you will find a unique style that works for you.
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
Some people know this but I think the majority of my following thinks I grew up in Atlanta. Quite the contrary, I grew up in a very small farming community in Indiana. I know how to drive a (very old) tractor and I’ve yet to find anything more satisfying to me than a hard day’s work in a hay field (I’m weird, I know). Going home is sort of like going into a different, much simpler world and I love that about it
What’s next for Chandler DeHart? Give us all the details.
Well, in the immediate, it’s a summer full of travel that I’m so looking forward to. As for the rest of 2019, you’ll be seeing more outfits, all of our travels, and then a huge project happening in the fall that I can’t wait to share with you all! Stay tuned!
I mean, goals. Did you see the vintage prints I was talking about? Because those are now mine. JK, Chan, I won’t do that to you.
I also have to shout this one out on how hard she’s been working on her content. She just hit 100k on instagram and I can’t think of anyone else who deserves it more. Congrats Chan!
Connect with Chandler here:
Instagram @CandidlyChan | site www.candidlychan.com | email crnehtt@gmail.com
All Photography by the talented @Vivaluxphotography (https://www.vivaluxphotography.com)